Univ.-Prof. Dr.
John Thomasson
The renowned American baritone taught voice and vocal pedagogy at universities in the U.S. for more than 20 years, and in 2014 he was appointed University Professor of Voice (Music Pedagogy) at the Mozarteum University. He is a much sought-after lecturer for master classes and workshops. His students have won numerous prizes at international competitions and are successful singers and voice teachers.
John Thomasson was born in Iowa (USA) and received his first musical education at the University of Iowa. Further studies followed at the Mozarteum University (Lied diploma, opera diploma).
While still a student, he made his operatic debuts in Salzburg (Carceriere in Tosca in the Grosses Festspielhaus) and in Germany (Musiklehrer in Ariadne auf Naxos). His performance was described as "masterful" (Opernwelt). Since then, opera roles, concerts and song recitals have taken him throughout Europe and the USA.
In 1995 he became a professor at Shorter University and from 2002 to 2014 he was professor and director of the Opera Theater at Florida Southern College. In 2014 he was appointed Univ.-Prof. of Voice (music education) at the Mozarteum University, where he serves as deputy head of department.